Independent Expert Panel calls on Daniel Kawczynski MP to apologise in the House of Commons

The Respondent was described by the Panel as having been repeatedly rude, aggressive and impatient with the complainants and other staff. The Panel were in no doubt that the impact of the conduct in this case on the complainants was significant.

On 27 April 2020, Mr Kawczynski had been unable to attend a virtual meeting of a Parliamentary committee as a result of technical difficulties that the two Complainants and other staff had not been able to resolve on the day. On 29 April the Complainants submitted a collective complaint under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme alleging that his behaviour before, during and after the meeting breached Parliament’s Bullying and Harassment Policy.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards found that Mr Kawczynski MP had acted in an intimidatory and threatening manner towards the Complainants and that he had abused his power as a Member of Parliament by making exaggerated and malicious claims. He did not appeal the Commissioner’s decision.

A sub-panel of the Independent Expert Panel was appointed to determine the sanction to be imposed. The sub-panel determined that Mr Kawczynski should make an apology on the floor of the House by means of a personal statement. He appealed that decision. A second sub-panel rejected the appeal and determined that the sanction was proper and proportionate.

Sir Stephen Irwin, Chair of the IEP said: “We accept that the circumstances which arose on 27 April 2020 were difficult. But they were difficult for everyone. Whilst we fully grasp that the life of an MP can be highly pressurised, these responsibilities and stresses do not justify a loss of courtesy, an exaggerated sense of importance or entitlement, or bullying.

“Our conclusion is that the determination of a requirement to make a public apology on the floor of the House is proper and proportionate.”

The full report is available on Parliament’s website.